Man Faces Murder Charge In Shooting

October 02, 1994

Elgin — A 29-year-old Elgin man was charged with murder and held without bond Saturday, a day after his girlfriend was shot to death while holding her young daughter, authorities said.

Janika Lovelace, 19, and Jose Garcia, both of 1136 Ash Drive, were quarreling in the parking lot of their apartment building Friday, when Garcia allegedly pulled a 9mm handgun and shot Lovelace in the head, said Elgin Police Deputy Chief Jim Burns.

After the shooting, Garcia began to flee, then stopped momentarily and allegedly shot at the 2-year-old girl, who was not injured, Burns said.

Garcia then took off in his car but stopped again and allegedly fired four or five shots toward the couple's apartment building, Burns said.

Elgin police spotted Garcia as he fled the vicinity of the shooting and chased him briefly. Garcia allegedly pointed his gun at the officers, Burns said. He was arrested without a struggle near the intersection of Liberty and Chicago Avenues, and the 9mm gun was recovered, Burns said.